BAILIFFSCOURT CLIMPING HOTEL REVIEW

A PRIDE OF BRITAIN HOTEL ON THE SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND

After spending longer on the M25 from London than we’d planned we were ready to relax. On arrival we noticed someone had just been dropped off onto the grounds by helicopter which made us very jealous of this method of transport. Our first thoughts on this hotel was that it must be on the location list for the Game of Thrones series - it’s like stepping back in time with all the period buildings and narrow passageways with flagstone floors which lead you through a series of intimate lounges
and sitting rooms, decorated with antiques, tapestries and beautiful fresh flowers.

The property instantly makes you feel like you’re living the same experience that was lived many years ago. Especially with original features such as the Gothic mullioned windows, delightful gardens
and the rose-clad courtyard. There’s also 30 acres of private parkland with a moat, small streams and wildlife, leading down to unspoilt beach just 7mins walk (we timed it).

We were hosted by Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa, a member of Pride of Britain Hotels – a consortium of 46 privately-owned independent British hotels. Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa at Climping, near Arundel is a 'medieval' retreat dreamt up by a 1920s aristocrat and brings you the 21st Century's finest indulgences. Set in 30 acres of tranquil parkland and perched above Climping beach, Bailiffscourt welcomes you with luxurious living, its stunning spa and fine dining.

The Room

We were taken along the maze-like hallways to our suite which overlooked the gardens, featured a 4 poster bed full of character and a bucket of Champagne on ice awaiting our arrival (nice touch!). We liked out the all original features had been preserved while the bathroom had been modernised to a very high standard. One of the charms of Bailiffscourt is that their 39 beautiful bedrooms and suites are located in a series of buildings including the Medieval House, which is connected to the Thatch House by an underground tunnel. The Court and Coach Houses stand opposite the main entrance, while the Gate House and their new rooms in the Moat House and The Oaks are across the grounds beside the old moat and overlooking the fields beyond.

Tapestry Restaurant

The elegant Tapestry Restaurant at Bailiffscourt Hotel continues with its medieval architecture, mullioned windows and tapestry-hung walls and offers the perfect venue to eat like a king. Suddenly we felt as though we should be wearing armour in a room like this whilst being given top class service. The Head Chef here is Russell Williams who has worked with such notable chefs as Nico Ladenis. His menu is full of tasty modern English cuisine that includes a fresh new interpretation of classic dishes. The presentation of our food was as fantastically artistic as was the taste – especially the fruit and ice-cream dessert. One of the key components of this restaurants success is that they use quality, locally sourced ingredients from Sussex.

The Spa

After all that relaxing it was time for extra relaxing. The body massage was fantastic, it was the first time we’d had a massage whilst laying on a water bed topper - it makes perfect sense! Then we sat our on the relaxation room balcony soaking up the sun whilst drinking green tea. This was such an idyllic and peaceful moment until a wasp briefly joined the party. This is certainly one of the most beautiful spas in the south of England, Bailiffscourt Spa is a luxurious retreat set in delightful gardens and just a short walk from the Climping Beach.
The superb facilities include a state-of-the-art gym, outdoor 'infinity' pool and tennis courts, relaxation areas and calming treatment rooms, where their highly experienced therapists offer a wide range of body and beauty treatments including the 55-minute energising full body Matins massage (£88), using acclaimed Temple Spa products.